Comparison Of Values To Codes Of Conduit
Comparison Of Values To Codes Of Condu
May 2014 All Rights Reserved Comparison Of Values To Codes Of Condu
© May 2014, All Rights Reserved Comparison of Values to Codes of Conduct Page 1 of 4 Ethical Values and Commitments: From Student to Professional to Community Member ETHICS: The study of the foundational values of a community. The study of ethics helps us understand what behaviors are expected and why. One also learns how to evaluate a situation and determine whether or not a particular behavior would be prohibited in the community. CODES OF CONDUCT: Application of ethical values in a particular community. University of Phoenix Student Code of Conduct, a typical code of conduct, is written to let students know how the foundational values are applied in a particular community, in this case the University of Phoenix community of learners.
EMPLOYEE HANDBOOKS: Application of ethical values in a professional setting. When you go to work, you are given a company handbook that tells you how the foundational values are applied in that particular setting. The company Code of Conduct is usually included in the handbook. Companies might also have a separate Code of Ethics that is tailored to their profession. While the topics are generally the same, the description of expected behavior is tailored to the specific industry.
Thus a handbook for a business might be slightly different than a handbook for a hospital or government agency because the situations the employee faces will be different. CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LAWS: Codification of ethical values into rules that all members of the community must follow. When you become a member of a community, such as a nation, state, or even a city or town, passes laws and ordinances that all people are expected to follow. Again, the topics are similar but may have slight differences based on the value commitments of the community. For example, one community may permit concealed weapons in certain situations while another community would never allow concealed weapons outside of a home.
COMPARISON OF THE CATEGORIES: Below you will find a chart that tracks the foundational ethical values through each of the different categories. Notice that values and behaviors that are expected of you as a student are the same as those expected of you both as a professional and a citizen. Your character and ethical maturity is developed as you consistently live into the values and learn how to discern what behaviors are the most ethical and choose to act upon that knowledge. Foundational Ethical Values Expectations of Students Expectations of Employees Expectations of Citizens Ethical Values, that if violated result in sanctions in the community. University of Phoenix Student Code of Conduct, that if violated can get you suspended or expelled.
Model Employee Handbook with a Code of Conduct, that if violated may lead to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Typical Federal and State Laws, that if violated can result in fines/imprisonment. ~ Promote life and safety ~ Respect each person ~ Avoid bullying ~ Embrace civility Actions, oral statements, and written statements which threaten or violate the personal safety of any member of the fighting, using abusive or threatening language, engaging in disorderly or antagonistic conduct while on college faculty, staff, or other students. property or while on company business. Assault and battery: prohibits touching someone without permission. © May 2014, All Rights Reserved Comparison of Values to Codes of Conduct Page 2 of 4 faculty, staff, or other students. property or while on company business.
Harassment, sexual or otherwise, that has the effect of creating hostile or offensive educational environment for any student, faculty, or staff member. Discrimination or harassment in violation of company policy of any employee or visitor. This includes any verbal or written communication, including via e-mail, voice mail system, or social media. Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964: prohibits discrimination in employment, sexual harassment, or creation of a hostile environment. Stalking, persistently pursing another person that has the effect of imposing unwelcomed contact and/or communication. Negligent or any careless action that endangers the life or safety of another person.
Stalking: prohibits patterns of behavior that would cause someone to be afraid for their life or safety. Disruptive behavior that hinders or interferes with the educational process. Engaging in any conduct that is not in the best interest of the company. Disorderly conduct: prohibits public misbehavior that endangers another or interferes with law enforcement officers. Carrying of weapons on campus, at campus sanctioned events, or when meeting with campus personnel (not applicable to students who are law enforcement officers). The company prohibits the possession of weapons in the workplace. To the full extent permitted by local law, this prohibition extends to all company parking lots as well as our facilities.
Gun Safety Laws: prohibits carrying certain unregistered firearms and limits carrying of weapons in public. Hazing, defined as any action which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental health of physical health or safety of a student for the purpose or initiation or admission into or affiliation with any University-sanctioned organization. Not applicable: Because companies do not have initiation rites of passage, this provision is not included in handbooks. Hazing Laws: prohibits initiation or pre-initiation ceremony into a student organization or student body likely to cause serious bodily injury to a student. ~ Fulfill professional duties ~ Be effective in your work ~ Fairly administer rules ~ Be ethically courageous Violation of any applicable professional codes of ethics or conduct. Any unacceptable conduct or infraction of this policy may lead to disciplinary action up and including termination of employment. State Licensing Laws: Each profession with a license has statutory provisions that if violated will lead to the loss of the license. © May 2014, All Rights Reserved Comparison of Values to Codes of Conduct Page 3 of 4 and including termination of employment.
~ Practice truthfulness ~ Be loyal to stakeholders ~ Fairly mete out blame ~ Embody integrity Failure to promptly comply with any reasonable directive from faculty or university officials.
Unsatisfactory work performance or work attitude can result in disciplinary action up and including termination of employment. Failure to follow a lawful order: Prohibits following the legal direction of a law enforcement officer. Failure to cooperate in a university investigation. Failing to cooperate or deliberately providing false information during an investigation shall be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Contempt of Court: Issued if one fails to respond to a subpoena or follow the court's order. ~ Practice self-restraint ~ Do not endanger others ~ Follow community rules ~ Show leadership Using, dealing in, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while in class, at campus-sanctioned events, or when meeting with campus personnel. ~ Other than in moderation at approved company functions, possession or use of alcoholic beverages or being under the influence of alcohol on company grounds. ~ Use or possession of illegal drugs or being under the influence of illegal drugs on company premises or at company sponsored events. Public intoxication is being so intoxicated that the public order is disrupted. Possession of illegal drugs is owning or holding prohibited drugs.
~ Regard privacy ~ Avoid conflict of interest ~ Protect interests of least advantaged ~ Put interests of others ahead of your own. Failure to maintain confidentiality and respect the privacy of personal or professional information communicated about clients, one's employer, other students or their employers. You should remember that access to confidential information should be on a need-to-know basis and must be authorized by your manager. Invasion of privacy: prohibits intruding into the life of another without just cause. ~ Practice truthfulness ~ Promote integrity ~ Assure accuracy of information for decision making ~ Seek justice based on.
Falsification, alteration or invention of information, including, but not limited to, any third-party document used to apply for truthful financial aid, or lying during a university investigation. The company will investigate allegations of fraud and misconduct, or questions regarding our integrity. Fraud and misrepresentation: prohibits intentionally making a false claim with the intent to deceive another person. Violation of the policy on acceptable use of university computing and communication resources for students and faculty. The use of the internet and other electronic communications equipment must comply with all laws and regulations and shall exhibit the highest moral and ethical standards of business conduct. Illegal, unethical or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Computer crime laws: prohibits use of computer hardware, files, and online communication to commit illegal activity, such as the theft of information or money via the internet.
Paper For Above instruction
The foundational ethical values serve as the cornerstone of personal, professional, and community life, guiding behavior and decision-making across various contexts. These universal principles—such as promoting safety, respecting others, practicing honesty, and maintaining integrity—are reflected and enforced through different frameworks including ethics studies, codes of conduct, employee handbooks, and laws. Understanding the alignment and distinctions among these categories highlights how ethical values are embedded in societal structures and individual conduct.
Ethics and Fundamental Values
Ethics, the philosophical study of moral principles, form the foundation of community standards by defining what behaviors are considered acceptable or unacceptable. Ethics are abstract and universal, guiding individuals to evaluate situations based on core values such as respect, safety, and fairness (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). These values serve as the basis for developing social norms and legal frameworks. For instance, promoting life and safety and respecting human dignity are foundational values common to all community members, including students, employees, and citizens (Trevino & Nelson, 2021).
Codes of Conduct and Application in Specific Contexts
Codes of conduct translate abstract ethical principles into specific behavioral expectations within particular communities. For students, the university code emphasizes respect, civility, and safety, prohibiting harassment, bullying, and disruptive behavior (University of Phoenix, 2014). Similarly, employee codes of conduct incorporate professional responsibilities like fulfilling duties effectively, maintaining integrity, and adhering to industry standards (Ethics Resource Center, 2020). These codes are tailored to the contexts, reflecting the unique challenges and expectations of each environment while upholding core values.
Legal and Regulatory Frameworks
Legal codes formalize ethical values into enforceable laws and regulations. Civil and criminal laws ensure that members of society follow rules designed to safeguard safety, privacy, and fairness (Friedman, 2018). For example, laws prohibit assault, harassment, stalking, and drug possession, reflecting society’s commitment to protecting individuals and maintaining order. Additionally, professional licensing laws uphold ethical standards within professions, with violations leading to license revocation or disciplinary actions (American Bar Association, 2020). Laws thus serve as the societal enforcement mechanism of shared ethical commitments.
Intersecting Values Across Domains
The convergence of ethical values across educational, corporate, and civic domains illustrates their foundational role. Respect for others, honesty, confidentiality, and safety are expected universally (Kidder, 2019). For instance, confidentiality policies in healthcare and legal professions emphasize respecting client privacy, while laws against falsification and fraud uphold truthfulness in all transactions (ISO, 2022). These overlapping principles demonstrate that consistent ethical living fosters trust, legitimacy, and social cohesion.
Challenges and Ethical Discrepancies
Despite shared values, discrepancies often arise due to contextual differences or conflicting interests. For example, a company might prioritize profits over employee safety or community well-being, leading to ethical dilemmas (Kidder, 2019). Similarly, legal statutes may vary between jurisdictions, such as permitting or prohibiting concealed weapons, reflecting differing community values (Linz, 2020). Recognizing and navigating these discrepancies require ethical discernment and a commitment to core principles that transcend situational differences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the consistent application of foundational ethical values across all domains fosters a coherent moral framework that supports societal harmony and individual integrity. Educational institutions, workplaces, and governments play vital roles in embedding these values through codes and laws. As individuals grow from students to professionals to community members, their ethical maturity develops through the continuous practice of discernment, integrity, and responsibility—traits that underpin a just and respectful society.
References
- American Bar Association. (2020). Model Rules of Professional Conduct. https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/
- Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.
- Ethics Resource Center. (2020). Ethical Culture and Compliance Programs. https://www.ethics.org/resources/ethical-culture-and-compliance/
- Friedman, M. (2018). Law’s Ethical Foundations. Harvard Law Review, 131(4), 778–814.
- ISO. (2022). ISO 37001:2016 - Anti-bribery management systems. https://www.iso.org/standard/65034.html
- Kidder, R. M. (2019). How Good People Make Tough Choices: Resolving the Dilemmas of Ethical Living. HarperOne.
- Trevino, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2021). Managing Business Ethics: Straight Talk about How to Do It Right. Wiley.
- University of Phoenix. (2014). Student Code of Conduct. https://www.phoenix.edu/about_us/policies_and_procedures/student-code-of-conduct.html